Introduction
For many young African academics, pursuing a PhD can be a challenging journey due to limited funding, lack of research networks, and insufficient institutional support. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is tackling this challenge by providing structured doctoral training, funding, and mentorship for early-career researchers in Africa.
The CARTA PhD Fellowships 2026 are now open for applications. This program focuses on developing the next generation of African research leaders in public and population health, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to conduct high-quality research that impacts health systems, informs policy, and improves teaching across African universities.
This opportunity comes with research grants of up to $10,500, structured training workshops, and support to complete a PhD in one of CARTA’s partner institutions.
Application Deadlines
- Preliminary application: August 20, 2025, at 23:59 EAT
- Full application (by invitation only): September 21, 2025
About CARTA and the Fellowship
The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is a partnership of leading African universities and research institutes working to strengthen doctoral training and research capacity on the continent.
The fellowship specifically supports junior faculty members at African universities to pursue locally registered PhDs while receiving additional structured training. By investing in these academics, CARTA aims to build sustainable research capacity within African institutions.
Eligible Research Fields
While applicants may come from diverse disciplines, the research focus must be related to public and population health. This includes but is not limited to:
- Epidemiology
- Health systems research
- Biostatistics
- Demography
- Social sciences and health
- Environmental health
- Policy and health governance
Type of Award
- PhD Fellowship
- Structured doctoral training and funded research support
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be bona fide teaching or research staff at a CARTA partner institution.
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Not yet be registered for a PhD, or be in the very early stages of PhD registration.
- Be under 40 years old (men) or under 45 years old (women) at the time of application.
- Commit to completing their PhD at their home university or another CARTA partner university.
- Be eligible for a tuition fee waiver at their institution.
- Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
The fellowship involves a two-stage application process:
Stage 1: Preliminary Application
Submit a form through your institution’s CARTA focal person.
Stage 2: Full Application (if shortlisted)
Applicants must provide:
- A full research proposal
- Academic CV
- Institutional support letter
- Timed assessments (numeracy, article review, and critical thinking tasks)
- Completion of online ethics and plagiarism training
Final selection is based on academic merit, quality of proposal, and institutional backing.
Eligible Countries and Partner Institutions
Applicants must be staff of the following institutions:
- African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya
- Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa
- Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Moi University, Kenya
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
- University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Rwanda, Rwanda
- University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Where Will the Fellowship Take Place?
At the home institution of the fellow or at another CARTA partner university in Africa.
Number of Awards
22 PhD fellowships will be awarded in 2026.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Successful applicants will receive:
- A modest stipend (28 months of support)
- Up to $10,500 in research funding
- A laptop for research and academic work
- Access to structured training seminars (both online and residential)
- Membership in regional and international research networks
This combination ensures that fellows not only complete their PhDs but also gain global exposure and collaborative opportunities.
Duration of Award
28 months (March 2026 – mid-2028)
Note: This is not a typical 48-month PhD fellowship. Support is conditional on availability of funds.
How to Apply
- Contact the CARTA focal person at your institution to confirm eligibility.
- Submit a preliminary application via REDCap by August 20, 2025.
- If shortlisted, complete the full application by September 21, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the fellowships only for students from the listed institutions?
Yes. Only faculty and staff from CARTA partner institutions are eligible.
2. Do all CARTA universities have a focal committee?
Yes. Each participating university has CARTA Focal Persons and Committees who oversee implementation.
3. Can CARTA focal persons also be supervisors?
Yes, provided they meet institutional requirements for PhD supervision.
4. Can I apply without PhD admission yet?
Yes. Preliminary applications are allowed before admission, but final selection requires registration at a partner university.
5. Can staff from non-partner universities apply?
No. Only staff at CARTA partner institutions are eligible.
6. Are sandwich/split-site PhD arrangements allowed?
Yes, in some cases where collaboration exists with a northern partner institution. Approval by the CARTA Board is required.
7. Can I join CARTA training if I don’t get the fellowship?
Currently no. Only CARTA fellows can participate in the training, although future exceptions may be considered.
Quick Summary
- Award: CARTA PhD Fellowship 2026
- Focus: Public & Population Health research
- Eligibility: African faculty at partner universities, Master’s degree, under 40/45
- Deadline: Aug 20 (Preliminary) | Sept 21 (Full application)
- Funding: Stipend + up to $10,500 research grant + laptop
- Duration: 28 months (Mar 2026 – mid-2028)
- Slots: 22 fellowships
Conclusion
The 2026 CARTA PhD Fellowship is more than just funding; it is an opportunity to join a community of like-minded scholars who are committed to advancing public and population health research in Africa. If you are a young academic passionate about making a difference in health and development across the continent, this fellowship could be the boost you need to excel.
Don’t miss the chance — apply before the August 20, 2025 deadline!
